Northstone Makes Christmas donation to Colne Open Door Centre

Gifts were kindly donated by its team as well as residents from its Keld development in Barrowford and delivered to the centre so families struggling this Christmas can still get a visit from Santa. Supplied with paper so parents can still have the joy of wrapping the presents and feel included will help the centre ensure children of all ages not only receive presents but are also well fed with a hot meal and drinks on Christmas day itself.

Colne Open Door Centre is a lifeline for so many and is still collecting food and Christmas gifts now should anyone in the community wish to make their own donation.

Nick Alderson, Centre Manager at The Open Door Centre said: “Christmas at the Centre is a truly heart-warming day and that is thanks to the invaluable support we receive from businesses like Northstone. Their support not just this Christmas with their incredible gift donation but all year through has been amazing and we can’t thank them enough.

“Supporting local children and families to have a better Christmas is one of the highlights of our year; in fact it’s my favourite day of the year. Our charity puts together toy hampers for children who have been identified by statutory services, women’s refuges, teenage homeless facilities, schools and colleges as being at risk of getting nothing or very little from Santa and we really can and do make such a difference.”

Last year the Centre provided 524 hampers to local children and teenagers which they are looking to surpass this year as more and more people are sadly struggling but are reaching out.

Commenting on Northstone’s donation, Chrissie Bramhall-England, Communities Manager at Northstone added: “Our team have been very generous with their gifts and we know they will be well used by the Centre and by families receiving them. They are an incredible team providing critical services as well as space in their café for people to have food and drink at a time of need, even opening on Christmas Day which is very special indeed.”

Nick added: “Every single toy hamper is sent with a Christmas food hamper too. This is because many of the families or parents we support feel the pressure of Christmas and spend the little disposable income they have on toys and presents. When December the 28th comes around we often see that families have no food left in their cupboards and providing a Christmas food parcel we can help alleviate some of that stress.”

The charity will be open on Christmas Day for free breakfasts to the community who may be socially isolated, in poverty or lonely and Nick is urging anyone to visit. The charity also supports individuals and families who are facing distress and crisis in their lives. Colne Open Door Centre is a life line for many vulnerable individuals and families who desperately need food, guidance, counselling, rehoming and much more helping over 4,500 individuals and families each year.

To find out more about Northstone visit www.northstone.co.uk or to learn more about The Open Door Centre and its services, visit www.opendoorcentre.org.uk